A VISIT TO NORFOLK ISLAND.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3257, 5 March 1885, Page 3

A VISIT TO NORFOLK ISLAND.

(By J. J. Fletcher, Government Agent, Fiji, m the "New Zealand Herald.") On my trip m the schooner Gleaner from Fiji towards New Zealand we called at Norfolk Island to obtain provisions, for we had adverse winds previously, and consequently ran out. On our approach, from the vessel's deck Norfolk Island did not look very inviting, owing to the rugged formation of the coast, with a heavy surf breaking on the rocks, which makes landing very awkward at times, more especially when the wind iB blowing m at the place one wants to land on. The ensign was hoisted, and at seven o'clock a.m. the pilot came off to us, and brought the vessel to a safe anchorage. After breakfast- the captain and I went ashore, and on our approach to the wharf we were greeted, I. may say, by all the male population m their Sunday clothes. Stepping ashore they gave us a hearty welcome. I was then taken by the hand and conducted up to a pretty villa house, Mr Fletcher Nobbs' homestead. The house was built of cut stone, and contained seven large rooms, nice and comfortable, being well furnished and extremely cool, and m possession of an elegant view. There I was introduced to the host and hostess and family, who treated me very kindly, bidding me welcome to Norfolk Island, and hoping I would enjoy myself. I found them all very comfortable and happy, with abundance of the many semi-tropical luxuries which cannot be grown m Fiji ; and on the other hand abundance ef tropical luxuries which cannot be grown m New Zealand. Everything we can wish for is m abundance except groceries, snch as tea and sugar. Wheat they grow, which makes excellent bread. There are no intoxicating liquors allowed on the island, — only, of course, for medicinal purposes, and the head of the community, the magistrate there, keeps it, and only giv«» it out by the doctor's orderi.

On Sunday I went to church with the family I was stopping with. There I found a fine building, capable of holding nearly four hundred people. An ordained clergyman officiated, and the sermon was a very affecting one. The people all belong to the Church of England, and seemed very happy and contented with their religion (oh, I forgot to say that I had to borrow a coat to go to church m, for the surf was too high to get out to the vessel for my own clothes). Seeing everybody so light-hearted, happy, and contented about me made me feel exceedingly happy, too. I had a horse to ride about with, and abundance of the very bsst to eat and drink, and any quantity of milk, cream, strawberries, and fresh butter, just what I wanted to strengthen me, not being extra strong after my Bevere illness m Fiji. The next day being Monday, I was invited to a ball, which was given m the Public Hall, a large stone edifice, capable of holding fully five hundred people. At the ball the ladies and gentlemen were mostly all dressed m ball costumes of the latest fashion, and they danced gracefully and well. The ladies, I must say, are very handsome; their beautiful dark hair decorated with wreaths of natural flowers of various tints, with their elegant dresses so tastefully got vp — oh, how becomingthe costumes! — and the elder ones sitting around the hall, looking at and admiring their children, and enjoying their happiness, waa a sight truly worth witnessing. The music was first-rate, consisting of piano, harmonium, two fiddles, and a fife, well played and m unison. I was introduced to many, and danced with them, an accomplishment, I may remark, m which they excel. I enjoyed myself beyond measure, and cannot forget their kindness and courtesy to me, a stranger. The country here is beautiful and undulating, having more of an Edenlike appearance than any other place I have been m. The native pine is a beautiful tree, growing m picturesque clumps over the island, which is laid down m grass, and looks fresh and green. There are also fine roads made throughout the island, which are fringed with majestic native pines, many rows m depth on both aides, planted there by the ancient regime, m fact, one fancies ha is walking through a nobleman's demesne m the old country. The head-quarters of the Melanesian Mission is at the other side of the island, but I had not time to visit it, although invited. We had eight passengers from Norfolk Island for New Zealand, and when we were going on board the whole population came down to the wharf, dressed m holiday garb, to see their friends oft. Just as we were going aboard they commenced weeping, and sang us a parting hymn. I forgot to say that, just as I was stepping into the boat, a young lady came up and presented me with a bouquet of flowers, wishing me a prosperous voyage to New*' Zealand. Indeed, it made me feel inclined to step ashore and remain there for the rest of my life, happy m witnessing the happiness of those unsophisticated people around me. There is nothing of the dolcefar niente manner about these young ladies ; they are brought up to lead useful, active, lives, and to make good wives and mothers. I trust those young ladies afar off, for whom my respect is unbounded, will not think my remarks too personal, for out of the fulness of the heart the mouth speaketh.